05/22/2026
Remember and honor our nation's veterans this Memorial Day weekend with Myrtle Beach's Military Appreciation events 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
The annual celebrations recognize and thank veterans and active duty service members. Everyone is invited to attend these free events. Here's what is on the schedule for this weekend:
🎺 FESTIVE BRASS PATRIOTIC CONCERT - 7 p.m., Friday, May 22
The weekend begins Friday evening with a free patriotic concert presented by Festive Brass. The performance takes attendees on a musical journey through America’s military history, from the Civil War through the Vietnam era, and includes a tribute to all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces. This event is free and open to the public. The concert will be at General Robert H. Reed Recreation Center, 800 Gabreski Lane.
🥁 AMERICA 250: RED, WHITE AND REMEMBER PARADE - 10 a.m., Saturday, May 23
This year’s event will feature a record-breaking 92 organizations and floats in the parade along Farrow Parkway in The Market Common. The parade begins at Johnson Avenue and Farrow Parkway and ends at Phillis Boulevard and Farrow Parkway.
World War II veteran and former Myrtle Beach mayor Robert Hirsch will serve as grand marshal, joined by honorary grand marshal and Vietnam War veteran Thomas Piotrowski. Ed Piotrowski will serve as emcee. Participants include the Parris Island Marine Band, dozens of veterans, Revolutionary War reenactors, local businesses, military and law enforcement groups and community organizations. Don't forget to wear your red, white and blue! Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs for seating.
🍔 AMERICA 250: RED, WHITE AND REMEMBER FAMILY PICNIC - Following parade, Saturday, May 23
The Family Picnic will feature living history exhibits in celebration of America’s 250th anniversary, patriotic performances by The Long Bay Symphony Brass Quintet and Jazz and Flute Ensembles, interactive experiences and family activities. Free hamburgers and hot dogs will be provided by the Omar Shriners, with additional food and desserts available for purchase from local food trucks. Vendors and community organizations also will be onsite. Attendees can visit an informational booth to learn more about the Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial ahead of Monday’s dedication ceremony. The picnic lasts roughly two hours after the parade.
🚶JACK PLATT VETERANS' MARCH - 9:30 a.m., Monday, May 25
Memorial Day begins with the Jack Platt Veterans’ March from Valor Memorial Garden to the Vietnam Veterans' Memorial in Warbird Park. The route has moved from Ocean Boulevard this year to better accommodate memorial activities later in the morning. Participants are encouraged to carry photographs honoring veterans and active-duty service members while marching along Farrow Parkway to Warbird Park. This march is free and open to the public. No registration required.
🇺🇸 VIETNAM VETERANS' MEMORIAL GRAND OPENING AND MEMORIAL DAY REMEMBRANCE CEREMONY - 11 a.m., Monday, May 25
The weekend concludes with the grand opening of the Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial, which also serves as Myrtle Beach’s annual Memorial Day Remembrance Ceremony. Note that there will not be a Remembrance Ceremony at the Convention Center this year. The special event marks a historic milestone for the community and honors the service and sacrifice of Vietnam veterans and all members of the Armed Forces. Medal of Honor recipient and Vietnam War veteran Maj. Gen. James E. Livingston, U.S. Marine Corps, Ret., will serve as the featured speaker.
The ceremony includes seating for approximately 1,000 attendees, reserved seating for Vietnam veterans, veteran speakers, ceremonial presentations, patriotic music, a Battlefield Cross Ceremony, Missing Man Table presentation, rifle salute and presentation of the Col. Robert Hawkins Award. The event will take place rain or shine. Attendees are encouraged to arrive early and may bring lawn chairs to ensure seating.
